Facebook reportedly working on a new app called Threads

In an attempt to catch up with Snapchat, Facebook is reportedly working on a new app called Threads, which will allow users to share their status, location, and other information with closest friends.

The app will be designed as a companion app to Instagram, The Verge reports, and is meant to let users share information with their “close friends” list on Instagram. The app is already being tested internally at Facebook, but the company declined to comment for the time being.

Illustrated screenshots from Threads, the new messaging app from Facebook and Instagram have already been obtained by the media. Although they're not captured in-app, some of the features are visible such as automatic sharing between users and the people on their “close friends” list on Instagram.

Users will be able to opt in to automatic sharing, while the app will update the status of the user sharing information with their friends such as location, speed and more. Apparently, Facebook chose no to let the app share your actual real-time location, instead, it will notify your friends that you're “on the move.”

There's also an option that will allow Threads users to update their status manually. However, sharing information is just a secondary focus, as the app's core remains messaging. All messages from friends will appear in a central feed and there will be green dots showing which of your friends are active.

Whenever one of your friends posts a story on Instagram, you'll be able to see that within Threads. Also, the app has a camera that lets users capture photos and videos, which can be sent to close friends.

Unfortunately, it's unclear when and if Facebook will actually release Threads to the general public. The internal testing is meant to determine whether or not the app might be useful, so it will take some time before we'll hear about it again; or not.